Healing the Wind
Grasping the Wind
This past week has been very stormy and cold here on the Northeast Coast of the US. We’ve seen the destructive force Hurricane Ian brought and the continued effect of the weather patterns have battered us with high, gusting winds and nasty wet weather. It is a mighty reminder of cooling days ahead.
This seemingly quick change from long, warm days to shorter, cooler and windy ones can be a time for us to take care of body mind and spirit. Many cultures stress the importance of celebrating the changing seasons as well as paying attention to and adapting to nature’s shifts. Chinese Medicine considers the human body as a whole and sees disease as an imbalance between different elements. Human beings are seen as inseparable from nature, and a part of the continually changing world.
With the change in weather, cold and flu season has arrived. In Chinese medicine that means that we take steps to avoid becoming sick by minimizing our exposure to wind. That means hats, scarves and being dressed properly when we go outside. At home it means eating warm nourishing foods like soups and stews and adding warming aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and anise, which help prevent cold hands and feet.
It also means paying attention to nature and going to bed earlier as the days shorten. Evening is time to consolidate Yin, and restore from activities. If we are over-active in the evening, Yin get drained, creating dryness and heat which leads to internal Wind.
The Wind 风
One of my favorite sayings in Chinese Medicine is, “Wind is the carrier of 1000 diseases.”
Wind is one of six climatic "evils" in Chinese Medicine: wind, cold, heat, summer-heat, dampness, and dryness. These are the “six types of Qi”--natural manifestations of different seasons and a constantly varying climate. When these climatic changes become sudden or extreme, or if the immune system is low, they create distress and are then called the "the six evils.”
This does not mean an air or physical wind, but a state of disease when the body is out of balance. Wind is considered the backbone of many diseases, and affects the body in the same way as sudden gusts of wind affect trees, shaking leaves and branches and creating havoc.
Many weather patterns depend on wind, and it influences weather, carrying heat, moisture and pollen. Wind in the body is like the wind in nature; generating movement where there was none, producing change and acceleration, and causing things to move and appear or disappear quickly.
Wind enters the body at the back of the neck--“the wind gate”--and causes conditions that develop quickly and enter the lungs--colds, flus, headaches, and sore throats. In nature, wind often comes and goes quickly without warning. The symptoms of Wind in the body are also characterized by coming and going, sometimes suddenly.
What happens inside the body is important, but also what happens throughout the body and its response to external and environmental stimuli is also important. Chinese Medicine sees two types of wind disease: wind-heat and wind-cold. Wind-heat brings fever, runny nose and sore throat. Wind-cold is characterized by cold feet, chills, stiffness in the neck and sneezing.
Healing the Wind
Take steps to prevent Wind invasion.
During this change of seasons, it’s important to dress appropriately. Avoid prolonged exposure to windy weather or drafts. In Chinese Medicine, the back of the neck and upper back are the first line of defense against the external challenges of wind and cold, so wear a hat and scarf. Keep skin moisturized in this dry season, as wind attacks the body by penetrating skin and pores. Dry your hair before going outside or to bed, and keep your feet warm to avoid chills and wasting energy trying to maintain body temperature.
When Wind invades the body, symptoms of cold or flu-like dizziness, headaches and joint pain can occur. Stress management and regular exercise keep energy flowing so Wind doesn’t have the opportunity to linger in the body.
Wind equates to "resistance" and “confusion,” so addressing Wind relates to change and a lifestyle that allows for deep transformation. Wind can arise from a lifestyle that depletes the body's reserves. This can be related to worry and nervous tension, bad eating habits, lack of sleep or other factors that deplete us. It’s a good time to focus on restoring balance, with a healthy, nutritious lifestyle, plenty of relaxation, quiet time and rest.
Evening is time to consolidate Yin, and restore from the day's activities. If we are over-active in the evening, Yin reserves get drained, creating dryness and heat which leads to internal Wind. This internal Wind and Heat can create many disorders.
Take notice of what may be resisting or holding you back from growing in mind, body and spirit. As you pay attention and begin intentionally letting go of any resistance to change, we naturally begin the process of resolving the Wind that is causing confusion and symptoms of dis-ease.
This is a practice of daily attention and cultivation. Life is aways changing and we must be willing to work with its natural flow. Just like leaves on the trees are okay with letting go, this practice of embodying and connecting to what is deep inside arises as we let go of negative patterns and shift in perspective. Wind can be the spearhead of all growth.
This is an opportunity to release old habits and negative patterns, and to remember that through releasing and letting go we grow and evolve. Plant your seeds, nurture yourself and let go of what you don't need…